grandstand building hallein

urban design concept
the existing grandstand facility at the university and state sports center rif is to be replaced with a new covered spectator grandstand building, including timing facilities, locker and washrooms, and ancillary spaces. the charm of the existing facility lies in the very easy accessibility of all grandstand seats. both from the sports field and the entrance area, the grandstand can be accessed directly without overcoming large height differences. direct accessibility from the sports field is also the focus of the redesign, as this is not a competition stadium with public events, but a facility where athletes are also spectators.
from this fundamental functional requirement of the client, the concept for the new grandstand facility is derived. a flat, wheelchair-accessible ramp provides access from the entrance to the standing area and the accessible seating with accompanying persons. the central main grandstand steps down over five rows to the level of the sports field, allowing direct accessibility for athletes. this height arrangement also enables optimal visibility of the long jump pit. at the sides, the seating rows reduce to three and two rows, with two gentle ramps on both sides leading to the lower rows and approaching the level of the sports field. the locker area is partially embedded below the grandstand in the ground and can be reached directly from the sports field over a short distance. it is naturally lit on two sides for the most part. the redesign of the “area with special conditions” allows level access between the locker area and the existing underground connection path; accessible ramps lead to the sports field and further to the entrance level. all levels are thus wheelchair-accessible, and a lift is not strictly necessary but may optionally be provided as an additional service. relocating the existing storage space allows the large meeting room to be situated on the locker level. necessary service rooms are also located nearby, adjacent to the connecting corridor. by deciding against additional above-ground structures, the grandstand with its striking roof becomes the defining design feature, allowing unobstructed views in all directions.

grandstand roof
a net-like, multi-angled steel structure rests on the edge of the standing area and is anchored to the east wall of the locker area, eliminating obstructive columns in the standing section.
the triangular net structure of the steel frame supports the pneumatic membrane roof, which provides translucent sun protection. the form of the roof structure responds to the geometry of the grandstand, varying in height and width. it is highest and widest at the center, where most spectators sit, and narrows and lowers toward the edges. to the east, the membrane panels provide additional back protection for spectators without obstructing views.

timing facilities
the new two-story timing and evaluation facility at the finish line receives a new direct access for athletes from the parking lot, providing accessible access to the grandstand and down to the evaluation and registration areas. timing and announcer positions are located gallery-style on the upper floor.

traffic concept
since the locations of the main entrances and access routes for the future student residence are not yet determined, the existing parking situation largely remains unchanged. the extensive ramp system emphasizes access to the grandstand, guiding and framing the end of the hartmannweg to the turning loop and, together with the existing pathway network, forming the village square desired in the brief.

installations
in the construction plans provided, the exact height of electrical and gas lines is unclear. the gas installation plan shows a value of -2.4, which would indicate that the existing low-pressure gas line is not affected by the new building. a partial lowering would not be a significant effort. the same applies to the existing 1 kV power cable. in any case, the advantages of barrier-free, level access between the new locker section and the existing passage far outweigh the manageable costs of a possible relocation. optionally, a photovoltaic system could be installed on the south-facing roof sheds of the large meeting room.

structural concept
the cantilevered construction of the grandstand roof is derived from a parametrically optimized geometry, both in terms of segmentation and cross-section. the structure consists of a highly efficient steel lightweight construction that supports a very lightweight, sieve-printed, pneumatic membrane roof.
the structure is anchored in the partially buried locker section, which is constructed in reinforced concrete. the rear tension/compression bracing is connected to the transverse frames of this component.